Abstract: A method includes: transmitting a first set of radio-frequency (RF) pulses to an implantable wireless stimulator device such that electric currents are created from the first set of RF pulses and flown through a calibrated internal load on the implantable wireless stimulator device; in response to the electric currents flown through a calibrated internal load, recording a first set of RF reflection measurements; transmitting a second set of radio-frequency (RF) pulses to the implantable wireless stimulator device such that stimulation currents are created from the second set of RF pulses and flown through an electrode of the implantable wireless stimulator device to tissue surrounding the electrode; in response to the stimulation currents flown through the electrode to the surrounding tissue, recording a second set of RF reflection measurements; and characterizing an electrode-tissue impedance by comparing the second set of RF reflection measurements with the first set of RF reflections measurements.

Abstract: Devices and methods for articulating a distal end of a surgical device are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the device includes an articulation joint that includes both an inner guide and an outer sleeve. The inner guide includes one channel extending therethrough that receives both a cutting mechanism and a closure band. Further, an outer surface of the inner guide, in conjunction with the outer sleeve, can define two additional channels that each receive an articulation band for articulating an end effector coupled to the articulation joint. The outer surface of the inner guide can include a plurality of ribs that also help define the two additional channels. Further, the outer sleeve can include a plurality of slots formed in it to improve flexibility and stability. Additional configurations of articulation joints, and configurations of components of a surgical device, are also provided, as are methods for using the same.

Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps includes first and second shaft members and first and second jaw members extending distally from the respective first and second shaft members. A pivot couples the first and second shaft members with one another such that the first and second shaft members are movable relative to one another between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position to move the first and second jaw members relative to one another between an open position and a closed position. The jaw members are configured to facilitate tissue treatment, tissue division, and blunt tissue dissection.

Abstract: An end effector for a robotic surgical tool includes a lower jaw, and an upper jaw opposite the lower jaw and including a first component part matable with a second component part at a mated interface that extends longitudinally and vertically.

Abstract: A coating for an electrosurgical electrode to reduce the potential for sticking of tissue. The coating is an elastomer containing a plurality of diamond particles having an average diameter of between diameter of 0.5 and 500 nanometers and that comprise between 0.1 and 25 percent by weight of the coating. The coating may be formed by reducing a silicone dispersion with xylene, adding the plurality of diamond particles, and agglomerating the plurality of diamond particles through sonification and then applied to the device. The coasting may also be formed by reducing a silicone dispersion with xylene, adding the plurality of diamond particles, and agglomerating the plurality of diamond particles through sonification, and then applied to the device by plasma enhanced vapor deposition.

Abstract: A method is provided including inserting a catheter into a right atrium and advancing a distal portion of the catheter toward a roof of the right atrium. A flexible longitudinal member is deployed from the catheter, such that a deployed portion of the flexible longitudinal member is loop-shaped. The deployed portion of the flexible longitudinal member is brought into contact with a single stabilization site located on the roof of the right atrium, between the roof and an interatrial septum, or on the interatrial septum superior to a fossa ovalis. A needle is deployed from the catheter and brought in contact with a hole site on a surface of the interatrial septum outside the fossa ovalis. A hole is formed through the interatrial septum at the hole site with the needle. The deployed portion of the flexible longitudinal member is withdrawn toward the catheter. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for treating a patient include providing a tissue treatment element constructed and arranged to deliver energy to tissue and treating tissue of the gastrointestinal tract by causing the tissue treatment element to deliver energy to an energy delivery zone. Treatment results in a reduction in the luminal surface area of at least a portion of the gastrointestinal tract. In particular embodiments, the methods, systems and devices are used to treat diabetes.

Abstract: Surgical forceps can include a jaw, a blade, and a tongue. The jaw can include a grip surface defining a slot. The blade can be configured to reciprocate along the slot between an extended position and a retracted position. The tongue can be connected to the jaw where at least a portion of the tongue can be located proximal of the grip surface to guide the blade into the blade slot when the blade moves from the retracted position into the blade slot.

Abstract: An improved system described herein equipped with one or more Pulsed Field Electroporation (PFE) electrodes configured to cause localized and targeted PFE output at the targeted tissue, for example, in an ear, nose, or throat.

Abstract: A multipurpose electrosurgical device is configurable in a bipolar mode and a monopolar mode using a three-conductor electrical input. The device includes a switching mechanism that provides signals corresponding with a first function and a second function in a monopolar mode. The switching mechanism also provides a signal corresponding with a third function in a bipolar mode.

Abstract: A cable such as a server cable may have a tapered termination portion that when connected to other information handling system components reduces the loss of signal between the cable and the information handling system component. A method of making a cable with a tapered termination portion comprising heating a wire having an end and a body portion, the body portion having a first diameter; pulling the end relative to the body portion, for example with a clamp coupled to the end under tension, to obtain a location between the end and the body portion having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter; and cutting the wire at the location.

Abstract: Pulsed field ablation systems are disclosed, some of which may include an output pulse generation circuit and a high voltage pulse generation circuit electrically connected to the output pulse generation circuit. The high voltage pulse generation circuit may be configured to deliver a high voltage pulse set to the output pulse generation circuit. The output pulse generation circuit may be configured to generate an output pulse set at least in response to the high voltage pulse set. The output pulse set may be deliverable to a set of selectable electrodes and may be configured to cause pulsed field ablation of tissue. Each pulse in the output pulse set may have a rise time that is shorter than a rise time of at least one high voltage pulse in the high voltage pulse set.

Abstract: An adapter for an electrosurgical instrument includes a socket and a stabilizer extending from the socket. The socket includes a mounting surface having a geometry arranged and disposed to accept a distal end of the electrosurgical instrument, and at least one retaining surface, which arranged and disposed to interact with a conformation of the electrosurgical instrument when the socket is mounted onto the electrosurgical instrument such that the socket mounts non-rotatably.

Abstract: A system for controlling a robotic end-effector is disclosed. The system includes a robotic arm, a surgical tool including an end-effector with articulatable arm and a clamp jaw. A tool driver is coupled to the surgical tool and a motor is coupled to the tool driver and is configured to drive the surgical tool. A sensor is configured to sense external forces applied to the end-effector. A central control circuit is configured to control the tool driver. The central control circuit is configured to receive a sensed parameter from the sensor, receive a sensed motor current (I) from the motor, and control the tool driver based on the sensed parameter and the motor current (I).

Abstract: A method of performing a tissue seal utilizing a robotic surgical system includes grasping tissue between a pair of jaws of an electrosurgical instrument; displaying on a display a visual representation of the grasped tissue; emitting electrosurgical energy from the pair of jaws into the tissue; and displaying on the display a visual representation of a progress of the tissue seal.

Abstract: A method for treating spinal nerve compression includes sequential dilation to position an instrument cannula along a patient's spine. Instruments can be delivered through the instrument cannula to remove targeted tissue for a decompression procedure. One of the instruments can be a reamer instrument configured to abrade, cut, or otherwise affect tissue along the patient's spine.

Abstract: A coupling system and related methods are disclosed. The system has a first plug detachably coupled to a first housing, and a first socket detachably coupled to a second housing. The first socket is configured to receive the first plug. The system is movable between a first configuration wherein the first and second housings are not engaged and a second configuration wherein the first and second housings are engaged and the first plug and the first socket are coupled together.

Abstract: A knife configured for use with an electrosurgical forceps having curved jaw members and a method of manufacturing the same. The knife includes a distal body having an inner side and an outer side, a first etching on the outer side of the distal body defining a distal cutting edge and a second etching on the outer side of the distal body extending along a portion of a length of the distal body to define relatively protruded and relatively recessed surfaces extending along a portion of the length of the distal body on the outer side thereof.

Abstract: A surgical device and procedure are provided for smoothly and easily accessing tissue to perform microsurgery, including a capsulotomy of a lens capsule of an eye. The device includes a handpiece with a tip for insertion into an incision in the cornea of the eye. A sliding element is disposed within the handpiece and a suction cup is mounted to the sliding element. The sliding element can be translated to move the suction cup into and out of the handpiece. A compression mechanism associated with the suction cup and the handpiece compresses the suction cup for deployment through the tip of the handpiece. The suction cup can expand inside the anterior chamber into a cutting position on the lens capsule. A cutting element mounted to the suction cup is used to cut a portion of the lens capsule and to remove the portion from the eye. The cutting element may be mounted to a cutting element support structure in a way that prevents heating of the device.

Abstract: An ultrapolar electrosurgery blade and an ultrapolar electrosurgery blade assembly. The ultrapolar electrosurgery blade includes top and bottom thin elongated conductive members in vertical alignment and spaced apart from one another along their lengths where each of the top and bottom thin elongated conductive members includes opposing planar sides, a sharp cutting end, and an opposite non-cutting end, and a non-conductive coating covering both opposing sides of the top and bottom thin elongated conductive members and the space located between them where the cutting ends of the elongated conductive members and their opposite non-cutting ends remain exposed.

Abstract: An instrument includes a body having an interior conduit and a conductor extending within the interior conduit. A shaft extends distally out of the body and is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. A sliding conductor extends within the shaft and a contact portion of the sliding conductor extends between the conductor of the body and an exterior portion of the shaft. An end portion of the contact portion is at least partially disposed within an opening of the shaft. A locking mechanism that selectively secures the shaft in the retracted and extended positions includes a locking nut that is selectively movable between a locked position and an unlocked position and compression flanges with contact pads that flex toward the shaft when the locking nut is in a locked position to secure the shaft in the extended or retracted positions.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument comprising a housing, a shaft extending from the housing, an end effector extending from the shaft, an articulation joint rotatably connecting the end effector to the shaft, and a wiring circuit is disclosed. The housing comprises a printed control board. The wiring circuit extends from the printed control board through the shaft and into the end effector. The wiring circuit is configured to monitor a function of the end effector and communicate the monitored function to the printed control board. The wiring circuit comprises a proximal rigid portion fixed to the shaft, a distal rigid portion fixed to the end effector, and an intermediate portion extending from the proximal rigid portion to the distal rigid portion. The intermediate portion comprises a resilient portion and a stretchable portion.

Abstract: A treatment tool includes a first grasper and a second grasper. The first grasper includes a treatment portion that includes a treatment surface and an opposing surface, and a holder portion that is mounted on the opposing surface. The holder portion is formed of an elastically deformable material, and includes a first region having a first contact surface, a second region having a second contact surface, and a connection region that is arranged between the first contact surface and the second contact surface and that includes a concave portion. The holder portion is mounted on the opposing surface in an elastically deformed state such that the first contact surface and the second contact surface are in contact with the opposing surface and such that a depth of the concave portion is smaller than a depth of the concave portion is a non-elastically deformed state.

Abstract: A medical appliance for use in medical procedures to controllably advance a medical device through a sheath. The medical appliance features pneumatic action and connecting structures adapted to couple the appliance to a variety of types of catheters, tools, and instruments.

Abstract: Conventional vasectomy techniques suffer from a number of disadvantages and potential complications, including, for example, a substantial risk for the development of hematomas, swelling, and post-surgical pain, a potential for spontaneous regeneration and undesired resumption of fertility, a need for a highly skilled surgical professional, as well as a long recovery period, accompanied by severe limitations on post-surgical activity. The present invention overcomes the disadvantages and deficiencies of the prior art by providing vasectomy instruments, kits, and methods that allow for a rapid, reliable, less invasive male sterilization procedure that may be readily, reliably and successfully performed by minimally skilled personnel around the world in a variety of medical settings.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a rotatable electrical coupling assembly having a first part and a second part that electrically couple and rotate relative to each other. The second part is carried by and rotates with a tube collar coupled to a transducer. A portion of the transducer is inserted through an aperture of the second part, but does not contact the second part. The first part of the assembly may electrically couple to the second part via pogo pins, brush contacts, or ball bearings. Alternatively, the first part may comprise conductive channels formed in the casing. The second part may comprise a rotatable drum with a conductive trace. In some versions, one or more components may comprise MID components. In another version, the rotatable electrical coupling assembly comprises a rotatable PC board and brush contact. Further still, a circuit board may be provided with the transducer inside a transducer casing.

Abstract: Provided herein are devices, systems, and methods for monitoring lesion or treated area in a tissue during focal ablation or cell membrane disruption therapy.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes an end effector assembly, a display, and a controller. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members each defining a tissue-treating surface. At least one of the first or second jaw members is movable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue between the tissue-treating surfaces thereof. At least one of the first or second jaw members includes a sensor. The controller is configured to receive sensor data from the sensor, generate a tissue indication based upon the sensor data, and output the tissue indication to the display. The display is configured to display the tissue indication. The tissue indication indicates a location along the first jaw member at which tissue is grasped between the tissue-treating surfaces of the first and second jaw members.

Abstract: A paralysis monitoring system can be utilized during various medical procedures. Generally, the system is used during procedures involving anesthesia, when general paralysis is necessary, e.g., during surgery that requires cutting through or mobilizing muscle tissue. The paralysis monitoring system stimulates a nerve with low voltage signals and can provide for continuous monitoring and recording of the evoked muscle activity throughout and after a procedure. By monitoring a quantitative response of the muscle activity to nerve stimulation, an anesthesiologist may adjust subsequent doses of a paralytic agent to achieve a desired level of paralysis.

Abstract: A coaptive surgical sealing tool may be similar to an ordinary hemostat with long (50, 60, 70 or 80 mm) thin jaws for sliding into the liver parenchyma, without tearing the larger blood vessels. The jaws are spring loaded and are designed for uniform compression, and to avoid closing too quickly. The jaws are capable of sealing a 50, 60, 70 or 80 mm sealing length, in a single bite, although it can also seal shorter lengths as well. The tool can be used with existing RF/bi-polar cautery generators.

Abstract: A medical device includes an electrode shaft and an insulation tip. The electrode shaft is configured to deliver energy to a target site and includes an electrode shaft lumen configured to deliver fluid to the target site. The insulation tip is coupled to a distal tip of the electrode shaft. The insulation tip includes an insulation tip lumen fluidly connected to the electrode shaft lumen and configured to deliver fluid to the target site. The insulation tip covers an entirety of the distal tip of the electrode shaft.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a first actuation assembly coupled to a first component and movable from a first position to a second position to actuate the first component. A biasing member coupled to the first actuation assembly is configured to bias the first actuation assembly towards the first position. A second actuation assembly is coupled to a second component and is selectively actuatable to actuate the second component. The second actuation assembly is coupled to the first actuation assembly such that actuation of the second actuation assembly effects movement of the first actuating assembly from the first position towards the second position. A linkage assembly is configured to reduce the bias applied to the first actuation assembly when the second actuation assembly effects movement of the first actuation assembly.

Abstract: Conventional vasectomy techniques suffer from a number of disadvantages and potential complications, including, for example, a substantial risk for the development of hematomas, swelling, and post-surgical pain, a potential for spontaneous regeneration and undesired resumption of fertility, a need for a highly skilled surgical professional, as well as a long recovery period, accompanied by severe limitations on post-surgical activity. The present invention overcomes the disadvantages and deficiencies of the prior art by providing vasectomy instruments, kits, and methods that allow for a rapid, reliable, less invasive male sterilization procedure that may be readily, reliably and successfully performed by minimally skilled personnel around the world in a variety of medical settings.

Abstract: An improved surgical instrument having an end effector mounted on the end of an elongate shaft extending from a handle. The end-effector is capable of different operations, including grasping, cutting, and sealing and/or coagulating tissue, and one of the operations is controlled by a trigger mechanism contained within the handle. In some embodiments, the end effector includes a pair of curved jaw members and blade assembly having a cutting blade at its distal end. The trigger mechanism drives blade assembly longitudinally within the elongate shaft such that the cutting blade protrudes between the jaw members. To help the trigger mechanism push the blade assembly around the curved jaws, the distal end of blade has a graduated flexibility that easily bends to the shape of the jaw members. The distal end of the blade may also be provided with a low friction coating so that it can easily slide between the jaw members.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument includes an ultrasonic waveguide defining a blade at a distal end portion thereof. The ultrasonic waveguide is configured to transmit ultrasonic energy therealong to the blade. The blade defines a plurality of surfaces. At least one lumen is defined at least partially through the blade. The at least one lumen establishes a flow path through the blade extending from a first open end on one surface of the plurality of surfaces to a second open end on a different surface of the plurality of surfaces. The at least one lumen is configured to urge fluid through the blade along the flow path from the one surface to the different surface.

Abstract: A forceps having at least a first jaw with a longitudinal axis is disclosed. The first jaw can include a body portion, a first flange, a second flange and a cam pin. The first flange can define a first cam slot with a longitudinal extent along the longitudinal axis. The second flange can be spaced from the first flange a distance transverse to the longitudinal axis of the first jaw and can have a second cam slot. The cam pin, with a longitudinal axis, can be moveably secured within the first cam slot and the second cam slot. A diameter of the cam pin can be less than a width between a first longitudinal edge that defines a first side of each of the first cam slot and the second cam slot and a second longitudinal edge that defines a second opposing side of each of the first cam slot and the second cam slot so that the cam pin is moveably received by both the first cam slot and the second cam slot.

Abstract: A transseptal crossing needle has an elongate, flexible tubular body, having a proximal end, a distal end and an electrically conductive sidewall defining a central lumen. The distal end has a radially inwardly extending annular recess. The tubular body has a first outside diameter proximally of the annular recess and a second, smaller outside diameter in the recess. An electrode tip has a proximally extending connector residing within the annular recess, and the electrode tip has a third outside diameter distally of the connector, which is greater than the first diameter. An insulation layer encloses the sidewall and the connector, and has an outside diameter approximately the same as the third diameter to provide a uniform outside diameter throughout a distal zone of the needle.

Abstract: An arthroscopic tissue resecting probe includes an elongated shaft having outer and inner sleeves which are formed from an electrically conductive material extending about an axis to a working end. Outer and inner resecting windows are formed in the sleeves in the working end. The working end includes a ceramic body having a collar portion extending fully around a region of the outer sleeve proximal to outer resecting window. A radiofrequency (RF) electrode is disposed on an outer surface of the ceramic body and is spaced-apart from the outer resecting window.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a delivery catheter for implanting a leadless biostimulator. The delivery catheter includes a shaft and a tubular body having a lumen and an atraumatic end. The atraumatic end includes at least one of a braided, woven or mesh construction configured to facilitate the atraumatic end changing diameter. When a distal portion of the shaft is coupled to a proximal region of the leadless biostimulator, at least one of distally displacing the tubular body relative to the shaft or proximally displacing the shaft relative to the tubular body causes the leadless biostimulator to be received in the volume of the atraumatic end and the atraumatic end to encompass the leadless biostimulator. Conversely, at least one of proximally displacing the tubular body relative to the shaft or distally displacing the shaft relative to the tubular body causes the leadless biostimulator to exit the volume of the atraumatic end.

Abstract: An end-effector and a surgical instrument including the end-effector are disclosed. The end-effector includes a clamp arm and an ultrasonic blade configured to acoustically couple to an ultrasonic transducer and to electrically couple to a pole of an electrical generator. The clamp arm includes a clamp jaw, a cantilever electrode configured to electrically couple to an opposite pole of the electrical generator. The cantilever electrode is fixed to the clamp jaw at a proximal end and free to deflect at a distal end. The clamp arm includes control features to adjust a tissue path relative to the clamp arm to create a predefined location of contact.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device: forceps having: a first working arm, a second working arm, wherein the electrosurgical device has a first electrosurgical configuration where the first working arm and the second working arm are in an opposed position so that the forceps deliver a first therapy current that flows between the first working arm and the second working arm; and wherein the electrosurgical device has a second electrosurgical configuration when the first working arm, the second working arm, or both are repositionable relative to each other so that the first working arm is extended with respect to the second working arm or vice versa and a second therapy current is delivered from the first working arm to a remote electrode.

Abstract: A microwave ablation antenna assembly (10) including a coaxial cable (14) terminating in a radiating section (16), a first tubular member (18) circumscribing the coaxial cable (14) and spaced therefrom to permit fluid flow therebetween, and a second tubular member (20) circumscribing the first tubular member (18) and spaced therefrom to permit fluid flow therebetween. The microwave ablation antenna assembly (10) further includes a hub (26) configured to receive the coaxial cable (14), first tubular member (18), and second tubular member (20), the hub (26) including a fluid inflow chamber (36) and a fluid outflow chamber (38) and an integrated hub divider (40) and hub cap (28) separating the fluid inflow chamber (36) from the fluid outflow chamber (38) and prohibiting fluid flow between the inflow chamber (36) and outflow chamber (38) except via the spacing between the coaxial cable (14) and the first tubular member (18) and between the first tubular member (18) and the second tubular member (20).

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument may comprise a pair of jaw members configured to move between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the pair of jaw members may be configured to exert a gripping force on material placed between working surfaces of the pair of jaw members. A first jaw member of the pair of jaw members may comprise a first electrode, and a second jaw member of the pair of jaw members may comprise a second electrode and a third electrode.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed that comprises a motor, a radio frequency (RF) energy generator, a first jaw, a second jaw movable relative to said first jaw in response to an actuation from said motor to capture tissue, and a segmented circuit comprising a first electrode configured to measure tissue impedance at a first position and a second electrode configured to measure tissue impedance at a second position. The RF energy generator is configured to transmit RF energy to the tissue by way of said first electrode or said second electrode. A controller is configured to control said motor based on the measured tissue impedances, energize said first electrode with a first amount of RF energy based on the tissue impedance measured at said first position, and energize said second electrode with a second amount of RF energy based on the tissue impedance measured at said second position.

Abstract: A device is described herein for performing capsulotomies that improves suction uniformity and produces rolled capsulotomy edges. The device includes a suction cup that forms a tapered circumferential suction chamber which enables suction to be applied to a tissue in a first direction. The tapered circumferential suction chamber decreases in cross-sectional area from a proximal end of the device towards a distal end of the device. The device further includes a stem coupled to the suction cup to provide suction to the suction cup. The stem forms a neck that enables fluid flow to the suction cup in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The device further includes a cutting element configured to excise the tissue.

Abstract: The disclosed technology is directed to a surgical instrument comprises a sheath having respective opposed proximal and distal ends. A pair of grasps is disposed on the distal-end portion of the sheath gripping a treatment target therebetween. A drive shaft is coupled to at least one of the pair of grasps to open or to close the pair of grasps by being moved along the longitudinal axis with respect to the sheath. Electric elements are used to apply treatment energy to the treatment target. A first operating device supplies the electric energy to the electric elements in a first supply state. A first member produces a force to open or close the pair of grasps and applies the force to the drive shaft. A second member is disposed in line with the first member and applies a force to the drive shaft in response to the operation input.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a body assembly, a shaft defining a longitudinal axis extending from the body assembly, an acoustic waveguide having a flexible portion, and an articulation section coupled with the shaft. A portion of the articulation section encompasses the flexible portion of the waveguide. The articulation section has a first member and a second member translatable relative to the first member. An end effector has an ultrasonic blade that is in communication with the waveguide. An articulating control assembly has a motor. The motor is operable to translate the first and second members to thereby deflect the end effector away from the longitudinal axis at the articulation section.

Abstract: For robotically operating a catheter, translation and/or rotation manipulation is provided along the shaft or away from the handle, such as near a point of access to the patient. A worm drive arrangement may allow for both translation and rotation of the shaft. Some control may be provided by robotic manipulation of the handle, while other control (e.g., fine adjustments) are made by robotic manipulation of the shaft.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising an end effector is disclosed. The end effector comprises a surgical dissector. The surgical dissector can apply mechanical and/or electrosurgical energy to treated tissue.

Abstract: Unintended current flow or plasma discharge has been observed in known illuminated electrosurgical devices having a metallic tubular heat sink surrounding a conductive electrode and an illumination element, and having a distal outer edge that abuts against the light emitting element. An insulating, shielding or other isolating element that prevents or discourages unintended plasma formation between the distal outer edge and nearby patient tissue can reduce the potential for tissue damage to a patient or injury to a surgeon.